The West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) has marked a historic moment with the official opening of its new Genomic Medicine Building at the University of Ghana, Legon on 8 November 2024. The state-of-the-art facility establishes Ghana as a leader in genomic education, research, and healthcare delivery in West Africa, ushering in a new chapter for human genomics in the region
“I see this building as a cross-cutting platform for transformative work globally through education, research and community and public engagement,” – Prof Ofori-Acquah (WAGMC Director)
The 2,600-square-meter building was constructed with support from the Government of Ghana through the World Bank’s Africa Centres of Excellence (ACE) for Development Impact initiative. The inauguration was led by the Minister for Education, Hon. Dr. Yaw Adutwum, alongside the University of Ghana’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo.
The Genomic Medicine Building houses cutting-edge resources, including a 220-square-meter laboratory, a 200-seat auditorium, a dedicated genetic counselling clinic space, smart classrooms, a biorepository, graduate workspaces, and faculty offices. These facilities will support the Centre’s rapidly expanding programmes, such as the Master’s in Genetic Counselling launched in 2022, and strengthen WAGMC’s role as a hub for innovation and training in genomic medicine.
The new building reflects WAGMC’s vision of becoming a continental leader in genomic medicine. With capacity to host international collaborations, research projects, and community outreach, the facility will enhance Africa’s ability to harness genomic science to improve health outcomes.
The opening of this building comes at a historic moment for WAGMC, coinciding with the graduation of its first cohort of genetic counsellors in 2024. Together, these milestones showcase WAGMC’s leadership in building the workforce and infrastructure needed to integrate genomics into healthcare across Africa.
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